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The City of Manassas Public Works and Utilities department is serious about recycling and investing in a healthy environment. In the past, recycling rates in the City of Manassas were at 45 percent, and they’re hoping to increase that number in 2012 and 2013. Those residents that participate in the city’s Recycle Right Program by properly sorting and recycling throughout April will receive a T-shirt; one shirt per household. The City of Manassas also offers tips on what to recycle and when. For more information, go to www.manassascity.org or call 703-257-8219.

“Being on the front lines of customer service, I know many residents are unsure of how recycling works or why it really makes a difference to take the extra time to clean out their glass jars or collect their leaves,” said Jorge Govea, customer service representative for the City of Manassas Utilities Department. “Each resident can make a small difference when recycling their cans, papers and magazines…the extra effort betters the environment for our children’s generation,” said Govea.

City of Manassas outlines the dos and don’ts of recycling:

Why recycle? It makes you feel good to contribute; recycling fees are less than trash pick-up fees; recycling programs create jobs; and recycling saves our environment for our future and our children.

When is recycling picked-up? Wednesday or Thursday for single family homes, and townhouses’ recycling bins are picked up on Tuesdays. In 2009, a dark green 64 gallon recycle cart was delivered to all single family homes. Townhomes were given a choice between the cart and a smaller 18 gallon bin. These green bins are for recycling only, not trash.

Why do we recycle yard waste? (This includes lawn clippings, tree branches and leaves) Yard waste is picked up on Mondays only and should be bagged separately, NOT put in recycling bins. It helps lower disposal costs; reduces the amount of decaying organic matter which creates methane gas in landfills; used for future compost and fertilizer; and avoid getting a $25 fine for putting yard waste in trash cans…recycle it.

Do NOT recycle household hazardous waste (HHW)? Hazardous waste can be a product from the home that is flammable, poisonous, harmful to you, and/or can hurt the environment if dumped on the ground or in storm water sewers. HHW examples are: wet paint, gasoline, fertilizers, floor cleaners, acids, motor oil, batteries, antifreeze and propane tanks. Also, all electronics, like cell phones, electric typewriters, printers, computers and televisions are hazardous waste. Protect our children and the environment. If these chemicals get into our ground, it can be very harmful. These items can be dropped off at 8305 Quarry Road on the first Saturday of every month from April through October.

For more information on trash and recycling pick-up, call 703-257-8252 for services in English.

“Recycling starts with education, and we want our customers to understand that we’re looking ahead to community’s future and taking the steps now to keep our environment as clean as possible...that means recycling as much as possible and avoid dumping trash in landfills,” said Mike Moon, director of public works and utilities for the City of Manassas. “Recycling is a city effort and only through residents’ team effort, can we help continue our campaign to recycle and reuse,” said Moon.

ABOUT CITY OF MANASSAS

Established in 1913, the City of Manassas Utilities/Public Works department ensures the availability of safe, reliable water usage, electric utilities, as well as provides responsive maintenance and collection services at an affordable cost to citizens of Manassas, Va., Manassas Park, Va. and parts of Prince William County, Va. A platinum-level winner of the Reliable Public Power Provider, it is noted for its environment-friendly projects and equipment, while tasked with capital projects that enhance public and private infrastructure. The utilities team participates in community fundraisers, like Toys for Tots, the United Way, American Public Power Association Tree Power and Arbor Day. The department holds memberships with America Public Power Association, American Water Works Association, American Public Works Association and the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Manassas, Va., is an independent, full service city of 10-square miles in Northern Virginia. The City is rich in history and the Manassas Junction of railroads played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. The City has a population of 35,821, owns its own public utilities, has the busiest general aviation airport in Virginia and is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. Manassas has been recognized by the Virginia Municipal League and other national and state organizations for its highly successful neighborhood improvement programs and by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting. For more information, go to www.manassascity.org or call 703-257-8219.